BRAHMS: PIANO SONATAS NO 1 & 2; SCHERZO IN E FLAT

Alexander Melnikov (piano)

Harmonia Mundi HMC 902086

These are unaccountably rarities to both concert
hall and
CD. The sonatas were championed quite late in
life by
Sviatoslav Richter, but his friend and compatriot
Melnikov
brings to them even more focus (and certainly
more
technical finesse), helped by a glorious-sounding
19th century Bösendorfer instrument and a
warm, clear recording. The scherzo makes an
unexpected but hugely welcome bonus.